Photographer: John Dixon

From left, Illinois fans Jeff and Jenny Leyden of Decatur, and Teresa and Rob Lamb, also of Decatur, walk past the roller coster on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

A passenger jet takes off from Las Angeles International Airport as beach goers walk the along the waves of the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Beach on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois fans party in the Globe Theater at Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

From left, Illinois fans Claudia Richards, Dan Haynes and Mandy Patrick pose for a picture in front of her friends at the 'Illini Bash' inside the Globe Theater at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois fans line up to buy souvenirs outside the Globe Theater at Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois bass drum player and drumline section leader Justin Ahlberg lines up with the Marching Illini as they prepare to march in a parade at Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Some storefronts along Colorado Avenue are boarded up as preparations continue for the Rose Bowl game and Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois coach Ron Zook, left, and USC coach Pete Carroll pose for a photo opportunity at media day at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: Kathryn Rybka

Tall scaffolding for televison cameras and lights go up next to the grandstands as preparations continue for the Rose Bowl game and Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illinois fans on a tour line up along Rosemont near the Rose Bowl as they go to view the Rose Parade floats as final touches are applied and the floats are judged on Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Ellie Strubhar, 6, plays on the rings at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

"ILLINI" is scratched into the sand along Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

From left, Illinois fans Tony Juscius, Joey Juscius, a UI senior, Maggie Juscius, a UI alumni, Mark Juscius and Lori Sullivan walk along Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.